I feel I can relate to much of your story. I remember having powerful spiritual experiences even as a child when I would pray. I was so touched by Joseph Smith’s story. It was so empowering for me as a child to know that God saw the potential and recognized the honest desires of even a kid like me.

I have to credit Mormonism for teaching me this way to pray. It is much more than basic instruction (Thank, Ask, etc.). There is a whole story and culture that informs the way I was taught to pray. Joseph’s story made me believe that I could receive answers in a way the bible alone never would have been able to. Whether Joseph’s claims were true or not it created something unarguably positive within me, something that I want to hold on to.

Years later I am so different. I have questions on questions on questions and most of that idealism I had when I was younger is gone. I have, at times, wondered whether my new interpretation of spiritual experiences requires me to somehow downplay or discredit those experiences which were some of the most profound moments in my life. When I hear your interview I am struck with how easy it seems to have been for you to hold on to those truths. These experiences may not be god’s rubber stamp of truth as I was taught but they were beautiful and insightful and good.

It seems like nothing you might hear that is negative about Joseph or any other prophet could really effect the reality of what you have personally discovered. That’s not easy to do. It gives me confidence that I can work things out for myself in a similar way. When I went through my faith crisis I felt I lost it all. I was absolutely heart broken because I thought these new ideas were telling me that the comfort I have felt so many times was really a creation of my mind.

Thank you for your story Joanna. Your optimism is very reassuring!

Um, no. People with personality use slang when they speak. And it works.

With respect to Dr. Brooks . . . by all accounts she’s brilliant, she has a stellar academic records, and (as is the case with many of the guests on Mormon Stories) while I don’t agree with everything she says, I’m grateful for her perspective. Thanks to both Dr. Brooks and John for taking the time to complete and post this podcast.

But, having said all of that . . . this podcast was PAINFUL to listen to. I have never heard an interview in which the phrases “like” and “you know” were used so many times. Dr. Brooks, if you see this, just a friendly suggestion to be aware of the frequency with which you use those terms when you are speaking. The overuse of those phrases really did, at least for me, make it difficult to listen to the entire podcast.

YES! I wish we would encourage our brainy Mormon kids to go places other than BYU, or at least not make them feel guilty about choosing to not go to BYU. Stanford is a great place for Mormon undergrads. LDS students should go to the university that is the best fit for them, be that BYU or otherwise.

I have never felt more at home in a ward than I did in the Stanford student ward. On top of that I’d say that the Stanford Institute under Alonzo Gaskill was a great experience and nearly the only positive experience I’ve have with CES (now SIR.) I will admit that 4 months out of my 4 years of high school seminary were worthwhile.

Glad to see your back. I really enjoy listening to your podcasts and eat up everything I can about the Church and it’s history, no matter how questionable it can be at times. Why does it seem that these people that are such deep thinkers and appear to be very intelligent end up having issues with the Church? It almost appears to me that it’s a curse to be so smart; Paul Descano and his wife, many of the September 6 also appeard to be very intelligent. Just an observation.

Guess I’m glad that I stopped at a B.A. Ha Ha!!!!

We belong to a beautiful heritage. It’s easy to forget that sometimes. Thank you for the reminder.

Years later I’ve changed, one thing I can’t do like her is just brush aside those issues that do not make sense to me in Mormonism. My FIL said I should put my doubts on the shelf and it will all be good in the end. For me though it’s impossible to do so at this time, maybe someday.

Anyway, great broadcast, will listen to Part II

Thank you so very much!

I appreciated hearing Joanna’s feelings about the church now. I am curious as to her approach to her children and raising them in the church or not in the church. What is her family plan? I struggle with this at times, because I want to create some sort of foundation for them, but at the same time be open and honest about our history and doctrine.

John, thank you for coming back. You have no idea how much your work has saved me from serious spiritual anguish, knowing that I’m not alone through this journey. I have yet to reach solid ground as to my feelings about specific principles, but being able to hear others share their thoughts and feelings makes this journey a little easier. Thank you for your work.